by Lee Strauss
Ginger pushed away from the table. “Excuse me a moment whilst I say good morning.”
Outside, she laughed at her charges. “My two favourite boys!”
Boss’ little black-and-white head snapped up at the sound of her voice and sprinted like a miniature racehorse towards her. Ginger bent a knee to reach him and lifted him off the ground.
“Good morning, Bossy!”
Scout watched her shyly. He stuffed his fists into his trouser pockets and scuffed the grass with the toe of his shoe. His newsboy hat sat crookedly on short wheat-coloured hair.
“Good morning, Scout,” Ginger said.
“G’morning, missus.”
Ginger inclined her head, holding on to young Scout’s gaze. Though eleven years old, he appeared younger. Growing up on the streets without proper food and care could do that to a lad. “Are you not happy to see me?”
“Of course, I am, missus. Uh, where’s Mr. Reed?”
Ginger placed Boss on the ground as she answered. “He’s eating breakfast.” She knew Scout was wary of another man moving into Hartigan House. Actually, not just another man, but another man in Ginger’s life. “I thought you and I could spend a bit of time together this morning. Let’s go and say hello to Goldmine, shall we?”
Scout’s freckly face broke into a smile, his new adult teeth showing prominently. “All right, missus.”
Ginger reached for Scout’s small hand and said nothing about the dirt under his nails or how rough his palm was for one so young. He worked hard for his keep, helping Mrs. Beasley sweep the kitchen and Mr. Clement with the gardening and stable care, especially with Goldmine, Ginger’s Akhal-Teke gelding. Scout never complained. He was young, but old enough to remember how hard life was alone on the mean streets of London.
Scout was her ward, not her son. As a Lady, a baron’s wife at that, adopting a street urchin would’ve been unthinkable. But now, as a police officer’s wife?
That deep longing in her soul pinged again. She’d missed out on having children. Not a choice she’d made for herself, but one dished out to her. Over time she accepted her lot and found fulfillment in her work and her charities.
Goldmine whinnied a greeting when Ginger entered the stable with Scout. She’d like to have thought the gelding was happy to see her, but it was apparent that the horse’s affection lay with Scout. The lad crawled through the fence of Goldmine’s stall and wrapped his thin arms around its muscular neck. Goldmine’s golden coat shone like silk, due in part to his exotic breed and in part to Scout’s dedication to regular grooming.
Ginger picked up an apple from the bin and flattened her palm as she reached for Goldmine over the fence. “Hey, boy,” she said softly. Goldmine tickled her hand with his soft nose before taking a bite of the apple.
“That’s his second treat today,” Scout said. “I’ve given ’im one too.”
“Some days are two-treat days,” Ginger said. When the apple had disappeared, she rubbed Goldmine’s head. “You both did such a great job at the wedding.”
“And Boss too,” Scout corrected.
“Oh yes, and Boss too.” Ginger smiled at her charge. “Scout, why don’t you eat with me and Mr. Reed this morning?” She’d left mid-meal and would have to get Mrs. Beasley to reheat it anyway. Hopefully, Ambrosia would have become restless and left the morning room by now. Ginger didn’t want to deal with her judgmental looks or worse, comments, yet.
“Really?” Scout shoved his fists into his trouser pockets again and studied the floor of the stable.
Ginger knelt to get to eye level with her ward. “What is it, Scout? Don’t you like Mr. Reed?”
“He’s a copper, missus. My kind don’t mix well with his kind.”
“I see. Well, how about we forget about his job? You just think of him as my husband and a nice man who cares about you.”
“Why would he care about me, missus? I’m nuffin’ to ’im.”
Ginger ignored the fact that Scout had reverted to dropping his h’s recently. He’d been doing so well with his speech patterns until now.
“He cares about you because he cares about what I care about,” Ginger explained. “And I care about you. Plus, I think he just genuinely likes you.”
Scout’s chin jutted up, his eyes wide and hopeful. “Really. You think so?”
“I do. Now—” Ginger retook his hand. “Let’s go and have a wash.”
Basil would’ve gone crazy just lying around if it weren’t for Ginger’s company. Morris had told him to stay at home until he could walk in a straight line and properly use his gammy arm. Basil still wanted to take Ginger away somewhere so they could be alone, however, whiling the time away with his new wife had its own pleasures. The upper floor library housed an impressive number of books, and he and Ginger liked to snuggle in front of the fire to read together. Ginger did most of the reading because the knot on his head caused headaches that worsened when he tried to read.
They were lounging on the settee in the sitting room; Ginger’s back was pressed up against his chest, her legs stretched out, and a pair of her many shoes toppled on the Persian carpet beneath them. Ginger had got Pippins to light the gas lanterns, freshly stoke the fire in the stone fireplace, and put American jazz on the gramophone. The mood was cosy and romantic. Best of all, they were alone, though when Felicia had stepped in, it had taken a sharp look for her to turn on her heel. Nonetheless, she squawked about it the entire way to the drawing room.
Ginger laid the book down on her lap. “Haley and I used to meet together for a glass of brandy at the end of the day,” Ginger said. “This was her favourite spot. I sat over there.”
Basil’s gaze followed hers to a plush wingback chair.
“Definitely not enough room for both of us in that,” he said.
“Some traditions are worth changing.”
Boss’ pointy ears jutted up from his satin bed by the fireplace. He stretched short, bony legs, stubby tail pushed up, before trotting over to Ginger and jumping on her lap.
Basil nuzzled his nose into her neck. “I suppose I might as well just get use to sharing you with a smelly mongrel.”
Boss whined.
“He’s not smelly, and he’s not a mongrel!” Ginger laughed. She sniffed Boss’ head. “Okay, perhaps a little smelly. Boss, you need a bath!”
Boss whined again, distinctly not in favour of this declaration.
They were interrupted by a knock on the door and the balding head of Ginger’s butler—Basil’s butler now—poked in.
“Sorry to disturb you, madam, but the afternoon post has arrived, and there’s a letter from America. I thought you’d want to see it.”
Ginger pushed off the settee, nearly breaking into a run. She stretched out her arm. “Oh yes, Pips! Let me see it!”
Pippins extended the silver platter, and Ginger picked up the top letter. “Thank you, Pips. I’ll read the others later.”
“You’re welcome, madam.” Pippins cornflower-blue eyes twinkled with affection. Basil knew the story. Clive Pippins was a lifer, having served the Hartigan family since Ginger was a child. Their relationship went beyond mistress and servant. Ginger’s green eyes smiled warmly as she watched the septuagenarian leave.
“You’re not having an affair with your butler, are you?” Basil asked with a grin. “I mean, I can see the appeal, and you obviously are a catch.”
Ginger returned to the settee and slapped his leg playfully. “You’re the only man for me, Mr. Reed.”
“So?” Basil said, nodding to the envelope in Ginger’s hand.
“It’s from Boston. At first, I thought it was from Haley, but it’s from my stepmother’s housekeeper, Molly McPhail. She was my maid from when I arrived in Boston with my father at eight years of age. She’s one of the best people I know.”
Basil read the concern in her eyes. “I’m sure if there were something amiss with your family, you would’ve received a telegram from them, and not a letter from the housekeeper.”
G
inger carefully opened the envelope with the help of a long fingernail. She read:
Dearest Mrs. Reed,
Please forgive this late letter of congratulations on your recent marriage. I’m afraid I only learned of your nuptials recently. As happenstance would have it, I’ve become acquainted with a friend of yours, a Dr. Haley Higgins, and she relayed the happy news.
Ginger’s head bobbed up. “I wonder why she hadn’t heard. Surely, Louisa and Sally spoke of it?”
Basil knew the question wasn’t for him. He remained silent, and Ginger continued to read.
Perhaps you’ve not been informed, but my position with Mrs. Hartigan has recently been terminated. She found me at fault for Miss Hartigan’s latest escapade, her running off to London.
“Sally!” Ginger protested. “My stepmother can be so unfair! I would’ve brought Molly with me to London, but she was too frightened to travel such a long distance across the ocean.”
“However, I’m writing to you with good news. Dr. Higgins has brought me into her employ, and, please forgive me for saying so, she’s so much nicer than Mrs. Hartigan and far easier to please. If you haven’t heard from Dr. Higgins recently, it’s because she’s terribly busy with her new job at the morgue. All the crime in Boston these days. Prohibition has backfired terribly in my opinion. I never read about so many deaths and murders in the city as I have of late. Dr. Higgins is quite heavy-hearted about the death of her brother, and I hope to add a little lightness to the home. You can’t live in sorrow all the time, I tell her.
Oh, Dr. Higgins just came home. She’s requested a postscript. I’m sure you won’t mind.
Sincerely,
Molly
PS: Dear Ginger, I suppose you’ll be reading this after you’ve returned from your honeymoon. I hope it went well and that you and that dashing new husband of yours stayed out of trouble. Somehow, I doubt it!
Basil laughed. “She knows you well.”
Ginger pressed the letter to her chest. “Haley and Molly! My two favourite Americans in all the world.”
Basil leaned over to kiss his wife but was stopped by the aggravated barking of the dog.
“Bossy, it’s okay,” Ginger said as she patted the animal’s head. “It’s only Basil.”
“And I thought I’d have to be jealous over your butler, but now I fear it might be your dog.”
Ginger moved Boss to her other side, then grabbed Basil by the tie.
“I hope you mean to lead me to the bedroom, Mrs. Reed.”
“How scandalous! It’s only the afternoon.”
He nuzzled her neck. “I’m sure it’s evening somewhere in the world.”
I hope you enjoyed Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman. This book has been edited and proofed, but typos are like little gremlins that like to sneak in when we’re not looking. If you spot a typo, please report it to: [email protected]
** I’ve started a new series featuring Ginger’s good friend, Haley Higgins, but rest assured, there will be more Ginger Gold to come. Watch for news about book 9 - Murder at the Boat Race - coming 2019.
But first, let me introduce you to the Higgins & Hawke Mysteries. If you’re a fan of Rizzoli & Isles, you love this series. Set in Boston in the 1930s, it features two strong yet very different women.
Haley Higgins, whom you already know, is a intelligent, steady-as-she-goes, assistant pathologist. Determined to solve the crime du jour, she hasn’t forgotten about her brother’s murder, a case that has been cold for seven years.
Samantha Hawke is a hard-working and hard-edge investigative journalist trying to make it in a man’s world. She has a daughter and mother-in-law to support and not quite enough money to do it.
An unlikely team, Higgins & Hawke find themselves working together to solve crimes during the depression era.
PREORDER NOW
Death by Rum Running. . .
It’s the hot and humid East Coast summer of 1931 and seven years since Dr. Haley Higgins’ brother Joe was murdered. The case is cold. The Boston Police Department may have given up on finding Joe Higgins’ killer, but Haley never will. She’s serious and savvy and has what it takes to hold up under depressive times. At least she finds some satisfaction doing her part as the city pathologist’s assistant in solving other crimes.
Investigative reporter Samantha Hawke ~ byline Sam Hawke ~ is blond, beautiful and broke, no thanks to her no good husband who’s been on the lam for over six years. Her position at the Boston Daily Record is more than a job ~ it’s payback.
When a man is found dead at the Bell in Hand Tavern on Union Street, Haley and Samantha are both working the case. Haley’s looking for justice and Samantha’s after recognition and a raise. They may want the same thing ~ to catch a killer ~ but it turns out they may need each other to solve this case before becoming the next victims.
PREORDER NOW!
Ginger Gold’s Journal
Sign up for Lee’s readers list and gain access to Ginger Gold’s private Journal. Find out about Ginger’s Life before the SS Rosa and how she became the woman she has. This is a fluid document that will cover her romance with her late husband Daniel, her time serving in the British secret service during World War One, and beyond. Includes a recipe for Dark Dutch Chocolate Cake!
It begins: July 31, 1912
How fabulous that I found this Journal today, hidden in the bottom of my wardrobe. Good old Pippins, our English butler in London, gave it to me as a parting gift when Father whisked me away on our American adventure so he could marry Sally. Pips said it was for me to record my new adventures. I’m ashamed I never even penned one word before today. I think I was just too sad.
This old leather-bound journal takes me back to that emotional time. I had shed enough tears to fill the ocean and I remember telling Father dramatically that I was certain to cause flooding to match God’s. At eight years old I was well-trained in my biblical studies, though, in retro-spect, I would say that I had probably bordered on heresy with my little tantrum.
The first week of my “adventure” was spent with a tummy ache and a number of embarrassing sessions that involved a bucket and Father holding back my long hair so I wouldn’t soil it with vomit.
I certainly felt that I was being punished for some reason. Hartigan House—though large and sometimes lonely—was my home and Pips was my good friend. He often helped me to pass the time with games of I Spy and Xs and Os.
“Very good, Little Miss,” he’d say with a twinkle in his blue eyes when I won, which I did often. I suspect now that our good butler wasn’t beyond letting me win even when unmerited.
Father had got it into his silly head that I needed a mother, but I think the truth was he wanted a wife. Sally, a woman half my father’s age, turned out to be a sufficient wife in the end, but I could never claim her as a mother.
Well, Pips, I’m sure you’d be happy to know that things turned out all right here in America.
Subscribe to read more!
.
Note from the author
The Great Gold Robbery
This is where I confess to taking massive liberties with the real life Great Gold Robbery, also know as the Great Train Robbery of 1855. In my defence, there are others who have done so before me and probably most notably is the 1978 Sean Connery film The Great Train Robbery.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll recognize my use of some names and details associated with the robbery. I consider that a nod to the real event. In no way have I tried to, or desired to, pass off the version of history found in this fictional story as fact.
About the Author
Lee Strauss is the bestselling author of the Ginger Gold Mysteries series and the Higgins & Hawke Mystery series (cozy historical mysteries), a Nursery Rhyme Mystery series (mystery, sci-fi, young adult), the Perception Trilogy (YA dystopian mystery), the Light & Love series (sweet romance) and young adult historical fiction. When she’s not writing or reading, she likes to cycle, hike, and kayak. She loves to drink caff
è lattes and red wines in exotic places, and eat dark chocolate anywhere.
Lee also writes younger YA fantasy as Elle Lee Strauss.
For more info on books by Lee Strauss and her social media links, visit leestraussbooks.com. To make sure you don’t miss the next new release, be sure to sign up for her readers’ list!
If you enjoyed reading Murder Aboard the Flying Scotsman please help others enjoy it too.
Recommend it: Help others find the book by recommending it to friends, readers’ groups, discussion boards and by suggesting it to your local library.
Review it: Please tell other readers why you liked this book by reviewing it on Amazon or Goodreads. If you do write a review, let me know at [email protected] so I can thank you.
Love the fashions of the 1920s? Check out Ginger Gold’s Pinterest Board!
Join my Facebook readers group for fun discussions and first-to-know exclusives!
Did you know you can follow your favourite authors on Bookbub? If you subscribe to Bookbub — (and if you don’t, why don’t you? - They’ll send you daily emails alerting you to sales and new releases on just the kind of books you like to read!) — follow me to make sure you don’t miss the next Ginger Gold Mystery!
www.leestraussbooks.com
[email protected]
Books by Lee Strauss
On AMAZON
Higgins & Hawke Mysteries (cozy 1930s historical)
